Description
The Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology Departments at Boston Children’s Hospital (BCH) and Harvard Medical School seek a basic/translational neuroscientist at the Assistant Professor level to establish an independent laboratory dedicated to developing new therapies for combined deafness and blindness in Usher syndrome. The ideal candidate will complement existing strengths in Usher syndrome research. This scientist will have demonstrated laboratory expertise and be conversant with the impact of both hearing and vision loss in individuals with Usher syndrome. The successful candidate will have a track record of significant contributions to relevant basic science as measured by first/senior authorship of peer-reviewed publications, national and international recognition, and external grant support.
LOCATION:
Boston Children’s Hospital
APPPOINTMENT:
The primary appointment will be in the BCH Department of Ophthalmology with a secondary appointment in the Department of Otolaryngology and affiliation with the F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center. Successful candidates may be eligible for a joint appointment at Harvard Medical School that includes teaching responsibilities.
EDUCATION and ACADEMICS: PhD, MD or MD/PhD required
EXPERIENCE:
Five or more years’ experience in pre-clinical / mechanistic development of potential therapeutic strategies for hearing and vision loss is essential. It is not anticipated that the position will include clinical responsibilities, however that may be an option for qualified / interested candidates Use of animal models such as mice, zebrafish or non-human primates and also in vitro systems to work toward gene-based therapies would be particularly relevant. A track record of successful external funding will be favorably regarded. Experience in supervising laboratory staff and trainees will be of great value in setting up a laboratory that functions independently within the extant research organization.
Boston Children’s Hospital is internationally recognized for excellence in pediatric care, research, and education. The Department of Ophthalmology provides comprehensive services across pediatric ophthalmology, adult strabismus, vision science, and advocacy, and offers a highly collaborative environment that supports innovation, mentorship, and professional development. The Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Enhancement has a vibrant otology and neurotology practice, and offers potential research interactions across the spectrum of Harvard Medical School institutions.
We take pride in our knowledgeable and accessible staff, dedicated to excellence in care, research, and education—and we look forward to welcoming a motivated, well-trained individual who shares that vision. To learn more about our departments visit:
www.childrenshospital.org/eyes
https://www.childrenshospital.org/services/otolaryngology-and-communication-enhancement
https://kirbyneuro.org/
BCH are offering a competitive start-up package, including research space, funding and compensation.
Salary: $130K - $160K. Salary will be commensurate with experience and academic rank.
Interested candidates should send a brief introductory cover letter, Curriculum Vitae and a 2-page research statement to ophrecruitment-dl@childrens.harvard.edu by October 1, 2026. The search will remain open until the position is filled. For queries in advance of submission, please call 617-355-6766. All inquiries will remain confidential.
Boston Children’s Hospital requires all employees to be vaccinated against influenza, (unless eligible for a medical or religious exemption).
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions or any other characteristic protected by law
Requirements
PhD, MD, or MD/PhD required. Five or more years’ experience in pre-clinical / mechanistic development of potential therapeutic strategies for hearing and vision loss is essential. It is not anticipated that the position will include clinical responsibilities, however that may be an option for qualified / interested candidates Use of animal models such as mice, zebrafish or non-human primates and also in vitro systems to work toward gene-based therapies would be particularly relevant. A track record of successful external funding will be favorably regarded. Experience in supervising laboratory staff and trainees will be of great value in setting up a laboratory that functions independently within the extant research organization.
